Dissolving Jesus in the eucharist

[Linusthe2nd]

Can you provide a reference to where the church teaches this? I totally disagree with your point about the appearance of bread. If two people disagree on whether something appears to be bread, which is the reality?

You have a legitimate point there. But just to make it clear the Church clearly teaches and has always taught that as long as the consecrated species are present and identifiable that Jesus is present. " The Eucharistic presence of Christ begins at the moment of the consecration and endures as long as the Eucharistic species subsist…" ( para. 1377, CCC ).

Normally there would be no question, and if there is a question if the species is still identifiable, one should appeal to the priest if one is available. If one is not available, one should consume the questionable species. If that is not possible one should burry it in a protected place and nature will dispose of the species naturally. Does that help?

Linus2nd

 

[Linusthe2nd]

I’d like to point out you’re subject line is in need of correction: we cannot ‘dissolve’ Jesus as He is God. The Holy Eucharist comes in two species: the Body of Christ (consecrated bread) and the Blood of Christ (consecrated wine). The “bread” that we ingest is eventually digested (broken down) by our body but the presence of Christ continues on in our body. Likewise the “wine”; our bodies will absorb the water and chemicals that make up the wine but Christ continues on in us.

As Catholics, we believe Christ is already in each of us. He doesn’t leave us only to return when we receive Holy Communion. As you may recall, Jesus promised to be with us until the end of time. So joining with Him physically in the Holy Eucharist is one of the most reverent actions we can do.

As to your question on if Jesus is only present as long as the chemical bonds of the bread or wine is intact, He is present only because He desires to be present. The priest, during consecration, calls down the Holy Spirit so that Jesus may become present in the bread and wine. We do not capture Jesus so that He cannot leave at any time He chooses. Nor can we force Jesus to enter the bread and wine. That said, we truly believe He is present after the consecration so must treat His Body and Blood Soul and Divinity with all the respect we can afford.

Just one point. When the body digests the species Jesus is no longer present to us physically. Of course the Second Person of the Trinity is still with us since the Trinity is always in us.
" 18] Also, the intelligible is within the intellect as to that which is understood. But no substance enters into the mind save God alone, who is in all things by His essence, presence, and power. It therefore seems impossible for a separate substance to be understood by another through its essence, and not through its likeness present in the latter. " ( S.C.G, Book 2, chap. 98, para 18 ).

Linus2nd

 

[808Catholic]

Just one point. When the body digests the species Jesus is no longer present to us physically. Of course the Second Person of the Trinity is still with us since the Trinity is always in us.
" 18] Also, the intelligible is within the intellect as to that which is understood. But no substance enters into the mind save God alone, who is in all things by His essence, presence, and power. It therefore seems impossible for a separate substance to be understood by another through its essence, and not through its likeness present in the latter. " ( S.C.G, Book 2, chap. 98, para 18 ).

Linus2nd

Yes! I agree.